"FDNYBUFF97", its too bad you didn't ask this question at this time last year. At our Member Meeting in Oct, 2010 we had a GREAT Tour given to us at the Shops. We had gotten permission a few months ahead of time. The shops have apparatus driving in and out of their building and I can understand why they don't want somebody just rooming around.
If your willing to wait, I can see in my crystal ball of another possible visit at our Member Meeting for "2012". (Sorry, not this year). Or you can try on your own by showing up and just asking for a tour. I don't know how that would work out though.
And of course you are more than welcome to join us for the tours at the Member Meeting this year in October. Included is a tour of the Marine Division, Squad 288/Hazmat 1, FDNY/EMS Station 20 at Jacobi Hospital including the Merv Unit, Yonkers Police Emergency Servive Units, Yonkers Fire Dept Special Operations Units (SOC), a night of good food, photos, venders table, in Yonkers at the Homefield House. All for $60 bucks, of which $40.00 will be donated to our two charities.
In addition, we plan to join in at Donavans in Queens for some Great food and a Meet and Greet get together on Thursday Oct 6th after the Sqd 288/Haz Mat Tour.
And on Saturday Oct 8th is the Wounded Warriors October Fest for a good time, some good food, and the cost there going to a good cause.
So Firebuff, sorry I couldn't really be of help for you on a Shops Visit, but you and all our members arewelcomed to join us for this years Member Meeting. And interested friends, who can conduct themselves as gentlemen and not embrassing our group, arealso welcomed. (Oct 6, 7, and 8, 2011).